Get your decadence on with this impossibly rich and silky smooth Vegan Chocolate Mousse! Its creamy yet light-as-air texture is going to make your friends and family wonder how you did it. Spoiler alert: it’s an easy recipe made with a short list of simple ingredients.
The only way to make this low-stress dessert even better is with a dollop of raspberry compote on top. This citrusy and tart companion is the perfect complement to the rich sweetness of chocolate and dates in the mousse.
If you’ve tried my luxe Vegan Hot Chocolate, then you’re sure to fall for this sultry chocolate mousse. It’s perfect for holidays, special celebrations, or whenever the chocolate cravings hit.
Table of Contents:
1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredient notes
3. Step-by-step instructions
4. Tips for making this recipe
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Recipe card
Why this recipe works
It melts in your mouth.
There are three key ingredients that give this vegan mousse a rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel: (1) silken tofu; (2) melted dark chocolate; (3) Medjool dates
Here’s how they work: (1) The tofu is soft, yet dense, which helps the mousse taste light and sturdy without needing gelatin or agar agar; (2) melted dark chocolate tastes incredible and adds rich body; and (3) blended Medjool dates lends a velvety luxuriousness.
PS: I know tofu in desserts may sound odd, but you absolutely don’t taste it (the flavor is so neutral). Instead, just think of this recipe as a vegan dessert with a few tricks up its sleeve.
Perfect for chocolate lovers.
You’ll taste nothing but the best chocolate flavors here thanks to a mix of Dutch process cocoa powder + melted dark chocolate.
I specifically recommend using Dutch process cocoa powder because the acidic flavor from the cocoa beans is washed away. Unlike natural cocoa powder, you have an ingredient with a pure chocolate flavor with a rich brown color. You can read more about the wonder that is Dutch process cocoa powder over at Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Simple as can be!
I just love how simple this dessert is. A couple natural sweeteners and everyday ingredients is all you need to make this over-the-top vegan mousse recipe. Plus, a blender does most of the work!
Unlike many vegan chocolate mousse recipes made with avocado, my version will stay fresh in your fridge for almost a week. It’s a quick treat you can tuck away in the fridge and forget about while you focus on dinner and appetizers for your guests.
Ingredient notes
Dark chocolate. The better the quality of dark chocolate, the more luxurious your mousse will taste.
Tip: I like to use a 70% to 75% dark chocolate bar. Anything lower (e.g., 65% cacao) will make this mousse too sweet IMO. If all you have is <70% chocolate, start with less maple syrup (more deets in the Tips section).
Dutch process cocoa powder. Another secret behind the rich, chocolatey flavor. Dutch process cocoa has been alkalized, leaving no trace of acidity like the kind found in natural cocoa powder. The end result is cocoa powder that tastes smooth, mild, and pure in chocolate flavor.
Shopping Tip: Read with this article from Serious Eats. They tested the best Dutch process cocoa brands to help you find one with the right flavor, color, and richness.
Substitute: You can use raw cacao powder or natural cocoa powder (e.g., Hershey’s cocoa powder). It’ll be delicious but the flavor won’t be as chocolatey.
Medjool dates. Softened dates are blended in with the chocolate mousse filling to give it a rich body and a naturally sweet taste. They’re the exact reason why my Salted Chocolate Cream Tart achieves its fudge-like texture.
Silken tofu. Blended silken tofu becomes surprisingly creamy! No one will even know you made a dessert with tofu.
Shopping Tip: Silken tofu is sold in two sections of the grocery store: (1) in packaged blocks in the refrigerated section with the other blocks of tofu and (2) in shelf-stable aseptic packages (affiliate links). If using the latter, choose boxes that say silken “soft” for the best results.
Espresso powder. A little espresso powder goes a long way in chocolate desserts! It’s how I get my Best Vegan Brownies to taste mega chocolatey and it makes every sip of Vegan Hot Chocolate extra heavenly.
Substitute: You can skip the espresso powder if you don’t have any, or use instant coffee powder instead. Feel free to use decaf if you aren’t into caffeine, or skip entirely.
Raspberries. Both fresh and frozen raspberries can be used to make homemade raspberry compote. Technically, it’s optional, but it takes the mousse over the top!
Tip: If you end up with leftover compote, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. It’s a lovely topping on more than chocolate mousse, such as chocolate cake, vegan pancakes, or paired with vegan yogurt for breakfast.
Substitute: Raspberries and chocolate are the perfect pairing, but you can make the compote with strawberries or blackberries instead.
Step-by-step instructions
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave. Whisk in the espresso powder once smooth, then set it aside to cool.
Meanwhile, soak the dates in boiling water to help them soften.
Add the rest of the mousse ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until the dates are pulverized and the cocoa is incorporated.
Next, pour in the melted, cooled chocolate. Blend again until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as you go.
Once the mousse is creamy and totally smooth, divide it between your small ramekins. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Work on the raspberry compote while you wait or make ahead of time. Combine the raspberries and the rest of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring while it bubbles.
Reduce to a simmer and cook until the consistency is thick and jammy.
Set the compote aside to cool at room temp or in the fridge. Top chilled mousse with raspberry compote and enjoy.
Tips for making this recipe
The right chocolate makes all the difference. I recommend using a dark chocolate bar that’s 70% or higher in cacao content. Any lower and the mousse may taste too sweet.
Do you only have 65% or lower dark chocolate at home? Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. After you add in the melted chocolate, taste and add more sweetener as needed.
If you prefer less sweet desserts, use chocolate in the 80% to 85% range.
Use silken tofu. You can buy silken tofu in a package in the refrigerated tofu section or in shelf-stable boxes (the most common brand is Mori-Nu).
Do not use refrigerated blocks of tofu labeled “soft tofu” like this. They have less moisture than silken tofu, and in our tests, it ended up thickening the mousse into a hard consistency.
Blend, blend, blend! Blend the mousse mixture really well, especially if using a food processor instead of a high-powered blender. And scrape down the sides as you go.
The texture should be silky smooth by time you’re done, without any clumps or tiny bits of unblended dates or cocoa. When blended properly, you’ll achieve that light and super creamy texture rather than dense or thick.
Sifting the cocoa powder into the food processor will help you avoid lumps if using a food processor.
The raspberry compote takes this over the top. It’s optional, but I highly recommend serving the mousse with it. A dollop on top really takes this mousse to the next level, adding a complex acidic and tart flavor profile that so beautifully accents the rich chocolate mousse. Guaranteed it will make your taste buds sing.
Plus, the compote requires just 4 ingredients, is easy to make, and stays fresh in the fridge for 2 weeks. Try the leftovers on waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chocolate chips can be used in place of dark chocolate bars or bittersweet baking chocolate bars. Just know that (1) chocolate chips are typically made with lower-quality chocolate and have a somewhat tacky consistency when melted and (2) it can be pretty hard to find dark chocolate chips.
I’m afraid not. Tofu in vegan mousse is key for its silky smooth, creamy, and light texture. While avocado could be a good substitute, we haven’t tested it and it would significantly shorten the shelf life.
Yes! It stays good for 5 to 6 days, so feel free to store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
It really depends on how much dessert you want! This mousse is surprisingly rich, so a little goes a long way. You could stretch this out to 8 servings if you want or divide it between 4 dessert cups for a more substantial treat.
If you love this Vegan Chocolate Mousse as much as we do, please rate and review the recipe with your feedback below! It’s always very much appreciated :)
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
Chocolate Mousse
- 5 ounces (140g) good-quality dairy-free dark chocolate (70 to 80%), chopped*
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (omit if caffeine-free)
- 12 ounces (340g, about 1 ½ cups) silken soft tofu**
- 2 soft Medjool dates
- ¼ cup (80g) pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup (24g) Dutch process cocoa powder***
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
Raspberry Compote (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups raspberries, fresh (248g) or frozen (210g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fine sea salt
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. To assemble a double boiler, grab a heatproof bowl that can be nestled into a saucepan—it should hover above the bottom of the pan. Fill the pan up with a few inches of water. Keep the water at a rapid simmer. Place the chocolate in the bowl and whisk frequently until melted, making sure no water comes near the chocolate. Whisk in the espresso powder once smooth, then set it aside to cool.To melt in the microwave: Chop chocolate into small pieces and heat in the microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round.
- Meanwhile, cover the dates with freshly boiled water. Soak for 15 minutes, then drain and remove the pits.
- If using refrigerated tofu, scoop it out of its package and measure out 12 ounces. Do not pat dry or try to remove excess water.
- In a food processor or high-powered blender, add the tofu with about 3 tablespoons of water that has accumulated; if not enough water has accumulated, add 3 tablespoons of filtered water. Add the dates, maple syrup, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Blend really well until the dates are fully pulverized and the cocoa has been mixed in, scraping down the sides as you go.
- Now add the melted, cooled chocolate and blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as you go. Taste, adding more salt to taste (I like adding an extra ¼ tsp salt for that sweet-and-salty flavor). Divide amongst 6 to 8 ramekins or small dessert glasses and chill for at least 1 hour to thicken (don’t store all of it in one big container, as it seems to thicken it more).
- Meanwhile, make the raspberry compote: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, maple syrup, orange zest and juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. When the mixture starts to bubble quickly, stir almost continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the berries break down and start to thicken. Simmer for 10 minutes, until thickened and jammy. Let come to room temp or chill in the fridge.
- To serve, rest the mousse at room temp for a few minutes. To serve, add a few spoons of compote on top of each mousse.
Notes
- The portions may seem small, but this mousse is very rich. The nutrition facts include the raspberry compote.
Recipe: Nisha Vora / Rainbow Plant Life | Photography: Megan Morello
Oh my! Oh my! Absolutely delicious Miss Nisha!
This one is a winner like all your recipes : – ) Thank you for sharing. I have your cookbook but you really spoil us with all the recipes in your emails. Much appreciated!
Hey Linda! Wow, I can feel your enthusiasm about this recipe through the screen! Love it! Thanks for being an awesome member of the RPL community! :)
I made this late last night, after having it up on my chalkboard for a week. I simply could not wait another day. I gathered all of the ingredients in stages through the evening (the dates were soaking in a small jar on the counter) and it was so easy to put together! Like a dream! It set up quickly and I did not have to wait an hour or even close to that (I did use more tofu, but also more chocolate)…and it is delicious! Mousse was always my favorite dessert but looked tricky to make and this one is so guilt free! I discovered the still soaking dates after I had enjoyed my first ramekin and now will be forced to make it again just to see how the flavor might change. I don’t care for sweet things so it may be that I prefer it in the accidental sans date recipe in the end. Happy creating everyone!
Thank you for your lovely comment, January! It makes us happy to know that you enjoyed the recipe.
Any ideas for a soy free option or is that a bridge too far in terms of mods for this particular recipe?
Sorry for the late reply, Adele! You could try avocado but keep in mind that it won’t last for more than a day or two. I have made chocolate avocado mousse in the past and it’s lovely, though a bit different in flavor and texture.
Hi!
I discovered this page recently and looks so great! I want to ask you if I can use the mousse as a cake filling? It will hold?
Tks!
Hi Juliana, welcome! We haven’t tried using this mousse in a cake, but it sets pretty well in the fridge so we think it could work. Maybe you can take some inspiration from this other recipe on how they use mousse in a cake, or from these recipes by pinch of yum or minimalist baker if you are looking to use the mousse in a pie.
Made this yesterday. Excellent- very rich, deep chocolate flavor, we enjoyed it.
Also made the Fennel Sausage Spaghetti & it got rave reviews, all had seconds
We’re so happy that the recipes turned out well for you, Jen. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and for trying out the recipe!
Very easy and perfecty chocolatey flavor. I was going to add espresso powder (bought some last time I made the vegan brownies!) but it’s been so long that when I opened it it was rock hard probably from humidity (I live in South Texas). I’m currently recovering from a foot injury so decided I needed a small, sweet dessert after my high protein meals at night. It’s currently chilling in fridge.
Going to make the chickpea curry later today (which I’ve made many times) but taking a quick break.
Hi Brenda, we hope it hit the spot! We’re glad this easy recipe came in handy during your time of need :)
A brilliant recipe, delicious vegan desert…
M, So glad to hear you loved this recipe!
Love this recipe! Just fyi though, the step for adding espresso powder is missing from the recipe card
We’re happy you do, Daniel! And thanks for catching that!
I made this last night and it was delicious. I have tried mousse made with tofu before and not cared for it, but this really worked. I think the addition of melted chocolate is key.
Hi Courtney, it’s great to hear you had success with the recipe. Thanks for the review!
Hi Nisha,
thx a lot for all the fabulous recipes!
I so a very simply choc mousse with darkest choc (melt at the last min), hazelnut milk, and soft tofu (400g, 300g, and 200g in reverse order – well of course, more tofu than chocolate!), at room temperature (and warm – melted) choc.
put it all in the blender an blend until smooth and well mixed.
pour into small cups and let cool before putting the fridge at least 2 hours.
Super simple, can be upgraded with spices (cinnamon, vanila, tonka, or even cayenne), topped with whipped cream, flavoured with coffee or fruits, etc.
But I find no sugar or sweeter is needed. :-)
For some reason though, I find we really need to remove all excess water from the tofu or else it will separate while cooling down and you find it at the bottom of your cup, and I personally dont like it.
Trying tonight your hummous…! with a North African hubby it should be a success… :-)
Hi Stefani, we’re glad that works for you!
I luv this chocolate mousse recipe. A non-vegan would not know the difference. It is so decadent. It may be denser than if it was made with eggs but I like this better. I used organic cacao powder and left out the espresso powder. I cut the recipe in half and forgot to decrease the vanilla and the cinnamon but it was delicious. Thank you, Nisha.
Thanks for sharing, Colleen! It makes us happy to know the recipe worked out well for you.
Love this recipe minus the raspberry compote. The mousse is so delicious, why mask the flavor? I use Mori-Nu. I like the flavor much better than the refrigerated silken tofu. I also leave out the salt and vanilla only because we love a very chocolately flavor. However, I did make a different version by adding 3 tablespoons of dark rum instead of water. Then I put the mousse in popsicle molds. The alcohol kept the mousse from becoming rock hard when frozen. The popsicles were divine and the rum was barely noticeable. It just added a touch of sweetness. Thank you for the recipe. It’s the best out there and trust me, I’ve tried many! This is our weekend dessert.
Hi Angela, we’re glad you enjoy the mousse! We personally don’t believe the compote masks the flavor, we think it compliments it! But to each his/her own :)
But wow, the rum sounds like a lovely idea! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Made it today. Delicious! Tastes so authentic and feels healthy. Thanks Nisha :)
We appreciate your feedback and support, Supriya. Thank you for leaving a review!
This is simply delicious! Perfect sweetness. Thank you for this recipe!
Thank you for the kind comment, Karel!
Hi! Last week, I stumbled upon you YouTube channel when I was looking for new recipes to make, and now I’m loving your blog, too! I made the mousse last night. (We just omitted the espresso.) Anyway, I just had to come back to your blog this morning to let you know that it turned out to be delicious! I used my Vitamix and the texture was perfect! My daughter and I absolutely loved the raspberry topping, too! I added a little coconut whipped cream to mine, as well. You’re right about it being rich in flavor so small portions are the way to go! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe and we especially appreciate a yummy dessert that doesn’t have oil and refined sugar in it! I think your YouTube videos are really good, too! (Love your friendly demeanor as you walk us through your recipes on there!)
Welcome to the RPL community, Joy! It’s awesome to hear you and your daughter enjoyed the mousse- it is such a decadent and lovely recipe. We can’t wait for you to try even more!
Here are a couple of my recommendations for other recipes to try: tofu scramble, red lentil curry, vegan moussaka (if you have some extra time), the best vegan brownies, and this delicious vegan brown butter peach cobbler which is the perfect summer dessert!
Nisha, this was amazing!!! I appreciate your note about the distinction between soft and silken tofu. I think using a Vitamix helps get the perfect texture….it was so creamy and fluffy. I didn’t have time to make the compote so instead added some crushed raspberries on top. Thank you for this!
Deepa
So lovely to hear how the blog post was clear and informative. And it’s great you enjoyed the Mousse! Thanks for leaving a review!
Way too chocolatey for me and I love chocolate! I will omit the cocoa next time, add another date or two and use the whole 16 oz carton of silken tofu. Then it would be to my liking.
Sorry to hear you weren’t a huge fan of the recipe. We hope you get the chance to try some of the other recipes and enjoy them!
The taste was amazing and the compote was also really good. In fact, I think the compote was my favourite part because I actually prefer fruit to chocolate. I just didn’t enjoy the mouth feel because the mousse was really hard and thick. I didn’t buy soft tofu, it was definitely silken tofu. That said, the mouth feel didn’t ruin it and it still tasted great. I think I’m going to try it again but with some aquafaba whipped into it to see if that makes it a bit lighter and fluffier.
Sorry to hear the texture wasn’t exactly what you were hoping for, Emma. We’re glad to hear the recipe was enjoyed otherwise!
Absolutely delicious! WOW! I served it for dessert after dinner and the guests loved it. I did notice though, when I had it after dinner I couldn’t sleep as I’m sensitive to caffeine. What can I sub for the cocoa powder? Thank you!
This is FANTASTIC, and it came together so quickly! It’s the epitome of fluffy, chocolately goodness.
Hi Sarah, so jazzed to hear you loved the recipe 🎷 This is a favorite in my house too!